Today in Chicago History

Chicago Bears halfback Walter Payton acknowledges the cheers of the crowd after his record-setting afternoon in a 20-7 win against the New Orleans Saints on Oct. 7, 1984, at Soldier Field. (Bob Fila/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Walter Payton becomes the NFL’s all-time leader rusher

By Kori Rumore

October 7, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Oct. 7, according...

The O'Leary family plot includes the grave of Catherine O'Leary of Great Chicago Fire infamy at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Aug. 30, 2021. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: Catherine O’Leary — and cow — exonerated by City Council 126 years after the Great Chicago Fire

By Kori Rumore

October 6, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Oct. 6, according...

Pope John Paul II in Grant Park in Chicago in October 1979. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: Pope John Paul II conducts sermon by the shore in Grant Park

By Kori Rumore

October 5, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Oct. 5, according...

Rear Adm. Walter Crosley, from left, Amelia Earhart and Maj. Gen. Frank Parker salute the flag on the reviewing stand at the George Washington bicentennial military tournament held at Soldier Field on June 24, 1932. (Chicago Herald and Examiner)

Today in Chicago History: Amelia Earhart says she’s keeping her last name — ‘My husband doesn’t mind’

By Kori Rumore

June 24, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 24, according...

Ryne Sandberg is congratulated by Chicago Cubs third base coach Don Zimmer after evening the score in the ninth inning with a home run against the Cardinals on June 23, 1984. (Charles Cherney/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: ‘The Sandberg Game’ rocks Wrigley Field

By Kori Rumore

June 23, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 23, according...

Patrons wait at the walk-up window at Dairy Queen on June 18, 2023, in Lombard. (Armando L. Sanchez/baiduhai)

Today in Chicago History: First Dairy Queen opens in Joliet

By Kori Rumore

June 22, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 22, according...

Carl Wanderer, right, talks with George Kenney, left, circa July 10, 1920, after the slaying of Wanderer's wife, Ruth, on June 21, 1920. Editor's note: This historic print has tape and painting on it from long-ago photo retouchers. (baiduhai historical photo)

Today in Chicago History: The ‘ragged stranger’ case

By Kori Rumore

June 21, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 21, according...

A large crowd attended the dedication ceremony for Merrill C. Meigs Field on June 30, 1950, in Chicago. (Howard Borvig/Chicago Herald American)

Today in Chicago History: Ground broken for city’s lakefront airport — Meigs Field

By Kori Rumore

June 20, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 20, according...

North Carolina guard Michael Jordan, left, and Tar Heels coach Dean Smith are at a news conference in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on May 5, 1984. Jordan announced he would forfeit his final year of college eligibility to turn pro. (AP)

Today in Chicago History: Michael Jordan selected by the Bulls with 3rd pick in the 1984 NBA Draft

By Kori Rumore

June 19, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 19 according...

Cardinal George Mundelein walks on the field during the 28th International Eucharistic Congress that he hosted at Soldier Field in June 1926. An estimated 500,000 people attended the large open-air mass. (baiduhai historical photo)

Vintage baiduhai: 1 million Catholics converge on city for International Eucharistic Congress

By Kori Rumore

June 18, 2026 at 2:41 p.m.

For five days in 1926, Chicago was the center of the Catholic world as it...

Hale Irwin kisses the U.S. Open trophy after winning the championship for the third time in his career on June 18, 1990, at Medinah Country Club. (Al Behrman/AP)

Today in Chicago History: Sudden death at Medinah — Hale Irwin makes putt for birdie to win US Open

By Kori Rumore

June 18, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 18, according...

Young people play pinball in Bolingbrook's Old Chicago amusement park and shopping center, circa 1976. (baiduhai archive)

Today in Chicago History: Old Chicago — first indoor amusement park/mall in the US — opens in Bolingbrook

By Kori Rumore

June 17, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 17, according...

Rich Koz as Svengoolie, circa 1982. (baiduhai archive)

Today in Chicago History: Rich Koz morphs into Svengoolie, the city’s iconic ghost host

By Kori Rumore

June 16, 2026 at 4:00 a.m.

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on June 16, according...